Currently families have to opt-in to register for free school meals but the council has gained approval to progress the pilot scheme which will start from September 2024 meaning all children entitled to the meals will be automatically enrolled.
It is estimated that families will save around £400 per year per child. Parents and guardians will be able to opt out of receiving free school meals if they want.
Councillor Bill Suthers, cabinet member for children, said: “This will have big positive impact for many hundreds of families who really need extra support right across our borough. It’s not only about making sure every child receive a good, daily meal but also the impact for families in the school holidays and the schools which will receive more Government funding. It’s been tested elsewhere in the country and has provable benefits. It’s an excellent scheme.”
Research shows that 10% of eligible families miss out on free school meals nationally and that figure is slightly higher in the North East at 11%, according to The Child Poverty Action Group.
Schools receive extra ‘pupil premium’ funding based on the number of free school meal children they have. Funding for eligible primary school children is £1,480, with secondary schools receiving £1,050 for their students.
In Sheffield, where auto-enrolment was introduced in 2016, it's estimated the policy has resulted in 5,000 children benefiting, with approximately £3.8 million generated in pupil premium funding for schools.
Councillor Ursula Earl, cabinet member for health, welfare and housing, added: “Nothing is more important than the health of our children. This means more of them will receive a high-quality meal each day while helping families struggling to get by. It’s a positive move first and foremost for our children.”